Nesta Carter

The self-described dark horse and underdog from the cool hills of Manchester parish, has had to deal with injuries at the most inopportune times. However, by some twist of fate, he has ended up starting Jamaica’s three world record relays.

Having lowered his time from 10.11 to 9.98 twice in 1998, Carter was expected to finish in the top three in the 100m at the Jamaica Trials that year. But things did not go according to the script. Carter did not report for the start due to a leg cramp and, therefore, did not qualify to represent the island in that event. However, he made the Jamaican team after qualifying in the 200m with a personal best 20.31. He was taken to Beijing as a 4×1 relay alternate.

As luck would have it, Carter was asked to replace an injured athlete on the sprint relay squad and was brought in as lead-off man in the final. With no cramps this time and a start as fast as anyone and anything in the world, including the cars that he loves, he sent Jamaica flying on its merry way to take gold in world record time.

The following year, the 2009 season began promisingly well and progressed for the mystic speedster. Then at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York, he finished 9th in the 100m in 10.16secs. His entry was later withdrawn from the prestigious Prefontaine Classic. A week before the June 26 Jamaica Nationals to select the team for the Berlin World Championships, his club confirmed yet another injury, and he was not entered in the trials.

The year 2010 was a rest season for top athletes including Carter. In 2011, another World Championships year, the not-fully-Carter again did not qualify at the National Trials as one of sprint ambassadors for the 100m in Daegu, South Korea. He finished fourth at the trials but was promoted when qualifier Steve Mulling was withdrawn from the team. And so, Carter found himself with compatriots Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake in the blocks in the 100m. But it was deju vu when he entered the race after feeling cramps earlier. He finished last in a pedestrian 10.95s. Subsequently, he ran the first leg of the 4×1 relay, which brought Jamaica gold and a world record.

Carter doesn’t mind being under the radar in this highly competitive world of sprinting because it puts no pressure on him. He has said, however, sometimes he wishes he was born before the competition became so fierce. In March 2013, he snatched 60m silver at the World Indoor Championships in Istanbul and followed that up with a 100m bronze medal in London, his first individual medals at that level.

Off track, he is an excellent cook with specialty in baked chicken and sweet-and-sour chicken. However, his all-time favorite dish is curry chicken with basmati white rice.

His world travel has taught him punctuality, respect for others, and an appreciation for his roots and culture.

This fitness buff with an 8-pack owns pit bulls and foresees a career in real estate after he stops running.